Is it worth it to take a surf lesson when learning how to surf? Surf lessons can be expensive and take time, but they will also help you learn how to surf faster.
Surf lessons significantly reduce the time needed to learn to surf. Instruction from an experienced surfer reduces the amount of trial and error you need to do yourself.
I have been surfing casually for 8 years and have taken surf lessons myself. Here are five reasons why I recommend all beginner surfers take a surf lesson.
Cost – Benefit Analysis
The main reason why people might hesitate to take a surf lesson is the cost. Surf lessons seem expensive. In the U.S., surf lessons cost around $100 – $200 per person for 2-4 hours.
While this may seem costly, consider the cost with the benefits. For example, it may take a beginner surfer several weeks or even months to simply stand up on a wave for the first time. The in-person guidance from a surf instructor can drastically reduce the time needed to reach this point.
Many people have busy schedules and don’t live close to the beach. It can be hard to find a full day to spend out at the coast. In their case, it might be well worth it to speed past the “true beginner” phase, and fast forward to the “functional beginner” phase where surfing really starts to get more fun.
For others that have more flexible schedules and live closer to the beach, it might make more sense to learn on their own and save the money.
Another component to consider is the cost of renting gear. Renting a surfboard, wetsuit, gloves, and booties can add up. The cost of these is usually $50 – $60 per day. Typically the cost of rental is included in the total rate for a lesson. This makes the price a little more wallet friendly. Learn more about how much surfing costs and how to save money surfing.
Support system
Having a strong support system is extremely helpful when it comes to staying motivated and encouraged when learning to surf. By support system I mean a group of friends, family members, or mentors that you go surfing with or help you learn.
Surfing is hard and can be discouraging, but a support system helps to combat that discouragement. Learn more about how to stay motivated while learning to surf.
Private or group surf lessons provide an excellent support system when you are first learning to surf. Guidance from an instructor and support from other “students” go a long way to maintain motivation and a positive attitude throughout the beginner phase.
Taking a group lesson and learning with other beginners is a great way to make friends and expand your support system. Also, sharing tips and mistakes with other beginners is fun and helpful. Learn more about how to find people to surf with.
Safety
There are a number of dangers that you should be aware of when surfing. Surfing can be dangerous depending on the conditions.
Big waves, high winds, and strong currents are dangers, especially to beginner surfers. Sometimes, tides can change the conditions quickly or big waves can come in periodically.
An instructor for a lesson has knowledge of the local surf spots and won’t let students be out in dangerous conditions.
By taking a lesson, you of course assume the regular risks of surfing, but it is reassuring knowing that you are going to a beginner friendly spot and the instructor is keeping an eye on the conditions.
Knowledge
Surf instructors are incredibly knowledgeable. Not only are you usually going to learn faster, but you’ll also learn more than you would without a lesson.
A good instructor takes the role of a mentor, and genuinely wants you to succeed. They should do their best to educate you to the best of their ability.
An in-person resource is valuable. Not everyone knows someone who surfs that they can talk to face-to-face. Being able to ask questions and physically act out the movement or concepts is especially helpful.
For example, a common mistake for beginners is being too far forward on the board when trying to catch a wave. The result is a textbook nose dive wipeout.
An instructor could physically act out the right spot to be on the board so that the next time, you are further back, and your weight is distributed better.
Final verdict
I recommend taking a surf lesson if you are considering it. Even if you’ve surfed once or twice, a lesson can still be quite helpful. In-person guidance from an experienced surfer if valuable.
Even though lessons can be expensive, gear rentals are typically included, making the price more reasonable. In addition, lessons accelerate your learning, which makes it worth the price for some people.
Group lessons allow you to learn with others and make friends. Usually, the knowledge gained from a surf lesson is money well spent. Before you go take a lesson, read up on these 30 must-know surfing terms!
Heads up! Surfing is awesome but it can be dangerous! Learn more about how to stay safe and avoid dangers while surfing. If you are a beginner surfer, check out my other articles about surfing and my ultimate guide to learning how to surf.
